Farmers reluctant to provide land for much-hyped Saraswati revival project
YAMUNANAGAR: Hundreds of farmers from the district have refused to provide their fertile land for the revival of the mythical Saraswati river, alleging that the government is trying to take their land without any proof about the existence of the river, which is believed to be 4,000-year-old.
Due to the objection raised by the farmers, the Yamunanagar district administration is now finding it difficult to dig up the 7-km stretch in eight villages of the district as there is no mention of the river in its revenue records.
The farmers had even staged a three-day protest in Sabilpur village last week and made it clear that they will not provide land to the government as it does not have any authentic proof about the river.
They also said officials are trying to grab their land. In some villages, however, the government has identified panchayati land for the canal and started talks with the representatives of panchayats.
“The government has decided to take about 700 metres of the river in our village, but farmers in nearby villages are objecting to this saying that the river will damage their fertile land and government will also take their land to link the canal,” said Naresh Kumar, sarpanch of Mohri village of Yamunanagar district.
“The deputy commissioner has given assurance that they will not take land against the consent of the farmers, but we what we want to know is why should farmers provide the land to the government,” said Gulshan Kumar sarpanch of Talakaur village.
Meanwhile, patwaris of Bilaspur circle are visiting villages for demarcation of panchayati land but Bilaspur Tehsildar Tarun Sahota refused to comment over the issue saying, "The irrigation department is taking care of the project.” Though the government had last year decided to acquire the land, for which the demarcation of land, was started but affected farmers are opposing the move and holding protests. Moreover, the enthusiasm of the government has also waned away due to hiccups.
“Yes, the stretch is missing in some villages but naturally it exists and proves the flow of water. But we do not want to do anything wrong and against the consent of farmers, we will agree them,” said Arvind Kaushik, superintending engineer of Haryana irrigation department
Following delay in the completion of the 67-km stretch of Saraswati canal in all 42 villages of Yamunanagar district, the government had to release water in the canal from Uncha Chandna village from Shahbad-Nalvi branch to recharge the canal artificially.
But completion of about 40-km canal from Adi-Badri to Uncha Chandana village of Yamunanagar remains a challenge for the government.